APRIL OPTIONS - 1985 (A Little R&R - again??)

APRIL 2, 1985

Wednesday

Last night when hurrying home from Mom’s to see a movie on t.v., I saw a GMC truck. I pulled up and sure enough it was Barry. We waved and tried to talk to each other, but it was hard to keep our cars even to talk. So I pulled in over at his apartment, remained in the car, and talked for about 3-5 minutes. I just asked how he was and said he was fine. He’s making straight A’s in school. (Business courses.) That’s great. I went on and left (I would have come in if he asked, but he didn’t.) I went on home to try to catch the movie.

When I walked in, Kathleen was already watching something, so I decided to call Barry and talk. We talked for 2 hours, exactly. A very good and at ease conversation.

APRIL 8, 1985

Monday

I have had an eventful time the past five days. I started with last Thursday.

THURSDAY THE 4TH - I took a late lunch so I could see Judy Ritchie (my voice teacher) and Mark Hall (an old friend/boyfriend/friend, meaning more of a friend) and two other of Judy’s students sing a program at Thanksgiving Square. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Easter program really made my day. Judy sang beautifully, thought I knew she would, and Mark… well, he was always a good choir voice but I never thought of him as much of a solo voice. He’s changed. I don’t know if it’s age, taking from Judy or both, but he is really a very good baritone now. I was quite impressed. After the program, he and Judy came down. She knew I was going to be there, but it was a surprise to Mark. (Mark and I hadn’t seen each other since Magic Time Machine in August to celebrate Barry’s birthday, and of course, I was wrapped up in Barry.) Anyway, Mark was very glad to see me. I told him that I thought he was pretty good four years ago, but that he was just wonderful now. He was really pleased. All this time, his mother was standing next to him. I didn’t know it. Finally, he said “Janie, have you ever met my mom?” Well, I hadn’t and she was very sweet. She knew that my parents lived in Garland and that I was the girl Mark escorted everywhere on the cruise. So that made me feel good, because it had been four years. Yes, Mark was my first cruise romance. We had gone out a couple of times before, but never kissed until the cruise. Yeah, Mark, Sherri, Cam and I went everywhere together. Anyway, before I had to go back to work, Mark asked me out for Friday night. I was tickled. But I couldn’t stay around long, I had to get back to work. I hugged Judy and told her how good she was. Then I waved goodbye to both, told his mother I was glad to meet her, and left.

FRIDAY - Mark picked me up at 7:00 and we went to Judge Bean’s and ate soft tacos and then saw the movie Lost in America with Albert Brooks. That was a very funny movie. (2021 - STILL in my top 10-15 comedy movies, I can watch over and over.) We then went to Tom Thumb and got some cinnamon rolls to bake and a gallon of milk. We went back to my apartment around midnight and by the time we finished eating, (about 12:30) he said that he guessed he needed to go. I said “Oh, why?” And he said, ``Well, I thought I wouldn’t make myself unwelcome by staying too long.” I said “Oh, stay a while longer, don’t eat and run.” So he stayed for a couple more hours. We really had a good time. Before he left, he told me he’d like to call me Sunday and see me. I said “Sure.” And he did call me at Mom’s house (Sunday was Easter, but I was rather bored.)

SUNDAY - Church went great that morning. I went over to Mom’s in a great mood, but sleep overcame me and I became groggy. Mark called when I was lying down upstairs, about 3:00. We decided to watch Superman II (since we had seen it originally together years ago.) So he came over right at 6:30 with a box of cookies and we watched Superman II.

You know, we kind of kissed a lot, especially last night and I liked it. But it worries me because I don’t want to get attached to someone this soon, yet I feel good with Mark. First of all, we already are good friends and I didn’t feel I had to get to know him from scratch like you do when you first date someone. We have a tremendous amount of things in common. He’s really pursuing an opera career. He has six voice students. I don’t want (even though I don’t want to date anyone steadily for awhile) to just lightly date someone to kiss. To make that more understandable, I don’t like worthless kissing unless the feelings are strong for each other. We have a good friendship. That’s important. He’s awfully tender though. A good cuddler. I like that. We’ll just have to see. It just makes me mad when guys ask you out but once you do some heavy kissing (some girls would use stronger actions, words… not me) they don’t call. That’s what happened to Troy. Of course, I realized that same day that our relationship wasn’t going to work. He said that his fraternity wouldn’t allow any music or theatre majors and I gave him a bad time about that. (I mean I was almost nasty.) I told him I thought that was awful shallow.

Oh well, we’ll see what happens.

Mom and Dad are leaving for Hawaii tomorrow. Tonight I’m going over there to stay until they get back to housesit and feed Hoover. I have a doctor’s appointment this afternoon, I’m leaving in about 15 minutes from work and then I’m going over there.

I’ll write more later about everything.

APRIL 10, 1985

Wednesday

I received a letter in the mail last night from Barry. It mainly said some things he’d been wanting to say, like he’s sorry he took things out on me, he was not being honest with me because he couldn’t always tell me when little things would bother him and then they became big things and he would blow up. That took a lot for him to admit that. I guess he’s learned this through analysis. That is good.

Monday he called mea nd asked me to go to a movie or something and then talk, and I suggested tonight. He wanted to on Friday, but I told him tonight would be better. (I didn’t say so, but I don’t want to have my weekends taken up with him. I mean, I want the weekends for new people and events, not lost ones.) He’s coming over tonight at 6:30 or so. I don’t know what we’re going to see, but it has to be at a General Cinema Theatre because I have a pass there, and no money.

Last night, Mark called and we’re going out Friday night. (It’s a good thing I turned down Barry for Friday.) I don’t know what we’re doing yet, but we’re supposed to think about it and then he’ll get back with me. He hasn’t seen Amadeus yet, and I want him to see that. I wouldn’t mind seeing it again for the fourth time. I may not be showing by Friday, though, and if it’s not, then maybe we can go out to a nice restaurant or something. That would be nice.

There is a guy here at work I have noticed lately (especially the past month or so) and he’s cute. He’s really tall, brunette and has a nice, sweet face. We see each other when he passes my work window and we smile, but that’s usually all. Well, today I saw him on the elevator this morning, and I got on the same one (on purpose.) After other people got off, we were the only ones on the elevator and I asked him if he had pretty much just started here, and he said he’s been here for only two months. His name is Arnold (the name doesn’t suit his face) and I introduced myself. We walked off the elevator still talking until I had to go to work. We said “Bye” and I turned in. I’d sure like to get to know him better.

Alan Winters, the guy I had drinks with one night, never has asked me out (for a regular date) but flirts constantly with me. I feel he ought to ask me out if he’s going to be so overt with his flirting. Sometimes I feel he’s looking me up and down.

LIFE’S FUNNY!

I’ll write tomorrow about tonight’s event with Barry.

APRIL 15, 1985

Monday

I had an incredibly eventful weekend.

FRIDAY - I went out with Mark and we saw Amadeus (my 4th time.) We had a good time, but my heels just don’t click with him, if you know what I mean.

SATURDAY MORNING - I was over at Bryant’s by 8:15 a.m. to babysit for the day. That was fun. At about 1:30, Bryant came home so I could go to my voice lesson. When I got back, Bryant was gone and Barbara was there. We’ve met before, but not really talked. So (without Bryant there) this gave us plenty of time to talk and get to know each other better. It was very enjoyable. I really liked her a lot. I stayed until about 7:00 p.m. and then had to leave. The kids were also very cute that day.

At about 7:30 p.m., Kevin came over. I was glad that he was the first one there. Closer to 8:00, most everyone showed up: Randall, Barry, Mark, Robert and later Sherri. We stayed around for a little while and then Robert said he wanted a margarita. So we went to Chili’s.

I was sitting in the middle of everybody but Sherri was really complaining about being on the end, so I traded places with her. But I didn’t want to sit by her, so I grabbed Randall and put him to my right. Robert was across from me, with Mark to his left and Kevin to his left. Sherri was sitting by Randall to her left with Barry to her right. I didn’t talk to Barry a whole lot.

I talked to Randall the most and some to Robert; not really much to anyone else. Well, after my margarita, everyone else were having rattlesnakes, (which is made from Kaluha, creme de cocoa and peppermint schnapps.) Randall had about three or more, Barry had one, Robert had a couple and I lost track after that. I had one and drank one of Randall’s. Between that and the margarita, I was pretty buzzed. We went home and Barry drove. After we got there, we all sat out on the big couch (by the way, we’re at Mom and Dad’s house.. They’re in Hawaii) and Robert went around and turned out all the lights. I just plopped down and noticed that Randall was to my right and Robert to my left. I was glad, but Robert kept getting up and not keeping his place so Barry planted himself in Robert’s place. I kept saying “Robert, come sit by me!” But he was acting crazy and saying “There’s no one here by that name.” I felt really uncomfortable with Barry right next to me, so I put all my attention on Randall (I didn’t know what to say to Barry.) Randall and I were laughing and talking a lot, and I admit I forgot all about Barry. Next thing I knew, Randall put his arm around me. I admit it felt nice.

Later, everyone left about 1:30 a.m. and Randall wanted to stay longer. When we were completely alone, I made the comment that we talked more the other night when I saw him at Beverly Hills Cop than we did the whole time Barry and I dated. With that, Randall leaned over and kissed me. Then to my big surprise, he said “That’s because I always felt the same about you since the day we met.” Shockeroo!!

Randall stayed about an hour more and then left. I was very confused, after all Barry had seen us together, eyt at the same time I felt good. I guess I felt incredibly flattered. But it was still more than that.

SUNDAY - By this day, I decided to just overlook Saturday night, pretend it didn’t happen and just be friends with Randall AND Barry. We were all going to a movie in the afternoon, so I didn’t want any uncomfortableness. So I was going to play it cool. After they got there, I tended to talk to Barry more than Randall (for a while.) Later after seeing The Breakfast Club, we came back over to Mom’s (I was still staying there) and we watched Poltergeist. At one point during the movie, Barry went to Jack in the Box to get something to eat. Randall and I visited while Barry was gone, (I kept my distance) and then Randall went to the bathroom. When he came back, he was saying something, and then he leaned over and kissed me and totally shocked me. Gosh! I was mixed up.

APRIL 22, 1985

Monday

Tonight Bryant, Barbara and BARRY, YES, I said Barry, are going to see Hall & Oates in concert. I had bought an extra ticket and was going to invite a date, but chickened out of a couple of guys here at work. So, I thought about Scott (Brian’s good friend) but he was going to be out of town. Then, I asked Randall and he said he doesn’t like them at all. He said he almost would just to go with me but he’s also going to be out of town. So I asked Kevin. He’s been through a lot lately with his mom and all, so I invited him and he was excited. I went on and gave him the ticket and told him to meet us at the concert. Well, today he called really upset and said that he had to work tonight. He was really upset.. So then I called Brian? and he said he couldn’t go and I tried Keith Rice but he wasn’t working because he quit Wyatt’s (I couldn’t believe that.) I even tried Larry Lewis who wanted to go in the first place, but no one answered the phone. So not knowing who to call, I called Barry. (2021 comment - why didn’t I invite a girlfriend? - lol) - I knew he’d probably go. And sure enough, he was really excited to go. He called me later to tell me he’d picked up the ticket from Kevin. After hanging up, I was really glad I invited him. He already knows Bryant and he’s been wanting to meet Barbara. It’s kind of all crazy but I have given the ticket away finally and despite the bad, bad weather (thunderstorms and cold,) we’re going. It better be worth it. Bryant’s going to pick me up in front of my building at 5:30 p.m. and we’re going to pick up Barbara in Mesquite, and then we’re eating, somewhere. I was hoping we could stay downtown, relax and eat at Spaghetti Warehouse. But no telling where we’ll eat. I just hope it’s not going to be a fast food place. Oh well, I’ll write tomorrow and tell how fun it was. Right now, I’m very, very tired.

APRIL 23, 1985

Tuesday

Well, I had a great time last night. Hall & Oates are tremendous in concert. Barbara and Bryant were so cute together. I like her so much. You know, at dinner (just Barbara, Bryant and me) we talked so well and Bryant actually mentioned Alex and said something funny. I don’t think I heard him mention Alex since he died, not unless someone else brought Alex up first. I was so glad of that. Barbara is apparently very good for him.

Barry and I had a good time. He was really glad I invited him. In fact this morning, he called and re-thanked me. That was sweet.

I admit a couple of times I was thinking how it would be nice if we were still dating, then maybe Barbara, B.C., Barry and I could go dancing together. I had to almost hit myself to stop thinking like that.

On the way home in his truck, we were listening to Hall & Oates on KVIL and had the windows rolled down so other people there could hear. That was fun because people walking by were saying “Alright!” and dancing in the parking lot. I really felt comfortable and felt as if we had never broken up. But, of course, I know there’s no use in thinking like that.

We got back and he came into my apartment for awhile. He really liked Barbara also. He thinks she’s cute.

APRIL 24, 1985

Wednesday

I had a good time last night. First, I had my voice lesson at 7:00. Then Kevin and Robert met me in front of the Performance Hall at Richland for the Choir Concert. It was pretty good, but the choir wasn’t near as good as it was the year I was in it - the year of the cruise. This year the group is going to the Bahamas.

Afterwards, we went to Dunkin Donuts. No matter whom I with, I always act really goofy at Dunkin Donuts. We did a lot of laughing.

I came back to the apartment feeling great - about 10:00. I took a shower and was singing and all. When I came out, I saw my mail. I opened the first which was from Sears Portrait Studio. I figured it was just another notice saying I need to pick up the pictures Barry and I made. (As known, we made pictures the 29th of January, the day of our big fight and I never went to pick them up since we broke up.) They sent me two notices and I just threw them in the trash. When I opened the envelope, there was a picture of Barry and me in a card that said “You Forgot Me” on it. The picture was great of both of us. It really makes me sad. They want me to send $17 for the package of pictures. Kathleen said I should get them and treat it like a prom or something. At dances, you’d keep the pictures forever and you don’t really date the guys in the pictures anymore. Maybe she’s right. After all, most of my friends would want a picture of me AND Barry because they’re all still good friends with him, of course. So why not? The only thing is that in the package there are two 8 x 10’s which is no good for anyone. There is also three 5 x 7’s and 14 wallet size and three charm miniatures. We could probably give away the 5 x 7’s, but not the 8 x 10’s.

It’s 4:50 and I decided not to buy any pictures. It’s a ridiculous idea. I might, only might call the studio and see if they have some good singles of me. But I don’t need to be buying pictures that only remind me of a bad day. I’m glad they sent me that one, though. At least I have one.

I would like some of me by myself if they let me do that.

I didn't write anywhere about Randall and I walked March of Dimes 3.0 kilometers around White Rock Lake. It was sponsored by A&A (where I worked). I remember Randall and I were soooooooooooo sunburned from our backs of legs and ankles. Both of us are soo fair-skinned and we were in pain! BUT, it was a wonderfully funny, memorable day and we got along great - as always!